The Planning Board is currently considering rezoning Main Street between Dunkin Donuts and Sewall Road from its current designation as R1 (Residential) to B1 (Business).  There will be a public hearing on the issue on September 16.  In preparation for the hearing the 236diner will be offering some information about zoning so citizens can learn more about the issue.

Here are some links to get information about zoning ordinances in South Berwick:

South Berwick’s zoning ordinances can be viewed at Town Hall and can be found online at the Planning Department area of the Town’s web site.

South Berwick Planning Board meeting minutes from 2002 until the present can be found on the Town web site under Planning Board Minutes.

The following are some excerpts from SB’s zoning ordinances to answer some basic questions about zoning:

What is the purpose of our zoning ordinance?

Section 140-3. lists the purpose of South Berwick’s zoning ordinances:

1. To prevent and control water pollution and protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life and bird and wildlife habitats.
2. To conserve shore cover, visual as well as actual points of access to inland and coastal waters and points of natural beauty.
3. To provide for the public health and safety, environmental quality and economic well-being of the community.
4. To regulate land uses, building sites and placement of structures.
5. To conserve the historical and architectural integrity of the existing historic sites, landmarks and districts and to assure that future development is compatible both in character and in use.
6. To further the ideals and guidelines outlined in the South Berwick Comprehensive Plan.

What zones does South Berwick have and what is the purpose of each zone?
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After five years of work and a process that included participation by over 100 citizens, South Berwick’s updated Comprehensive Plan is now before the Town Council for discussion. The comprehensive plan describes broad planning goals and strategies to guide town officials as they chart the future. South Berwick’s last comprehensive plan — still in force till the new one is adopted — dates to 1991.

On February 25 the Town Council held a hearing to receive public comment on the update to the comprehensive plan. Many of those in attendance urged the Council to adopt the plan. Others questioned whether parts of the plan should be updated to reflect a changed economic picture and changes in state funding brought about by LD1. Others spoke against the recommendation for changes in lot size to five acres in the region of town southerly and westerly of Emery’s Bridge Road.

The Town Council will discuss the Comprehensive Plan at the Council Meeting scheduled for March 11. The Town Council agreed to accept written comment until March 4, so you still have the chance to weigh in on the Comprehensive Plan by sending a letter to the Town Council.

Read the Comprehensive Plan by chapter below:
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